Dr. David L. Chancey's blog

The savvy, creative experts in the advertising industry understand the impact of key words in getting consumers’ attention. Can you guess their favorite word used most often in advertising campaigns? It’s not sale, or clearance. It’s the little word new.

Did you hear about the secret Santas who are paying off Christmas layaways? Wal-Mart customers in San Leandro, Calif., were called and asked to pick up their layaways after they were paid off by a total stranger.

Several years ago, a young boy heard the circus was coming to town. He’d never seen a circus, so he asked his dad if he could go. Reluctantly, the dad told him he didn’t think they could afford to buy a ticket.

It was Thanksgiving week, and a co-worker gave John a parrot as a Thanksgiving gift. Just what he always wanted. This parrot evidently was previously owned. He had a terrible attitude, was horribly obnoxious, and used a very crude vocabulary. Everything he said was laced with profanity.

Seems like everybody has a cell phone, or a smart phone, or a blue tooth. I don’t know how we got along without them. I still think it’s strange when I’m in a store and round the corner and someone is carrying on a conversation ... by themselves.

During a flight between New York and Chicago the captain announced, “Our number four engine has just been shut off because of mechanical trouble. There is nothing to worry about, however. We can still finish the flight with just three engines.

Two years ago, I drove out into the county to visit one of our members recovering from surgery. As I approached her house, I saw blue lights flashing up ahead. A small, red brick church was on the corner, and the front yard was full of people standing around.

Every Monday morning, our staff gathers for a brief prayer time to dedicate the week to God and ask for His guidance. Recently, we previewed the week and mentioned several needs. Only a few seconds later, I led in prayer and immediately went blank on a person we had just named.

I shared in a sermon on June 30 that our newest grand baby, due July 11,would come on Friday, July 5. It was just a projection. I knew her sister, our first grandchild, came one week early. That year I was hoping to get through Easter Sunday, and Harper was born on the Monday after Easter.

The fall of Aaron Hernandez was at the top of the news most of last week. The former Florida Gator and now former New England Patriot was arrested for allegedly taking the life of semi-pro football player Odin Lloyd, who news reports said was dating his fiancee’s sister.